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How to treat a lice outbreak Having lice is an embarrassing medical problem for children and adults all over the world. Fortunately, lice can be treated with a mixture of medical and at-home remedies. Today, we’re going to show you how to spot the symptoms of lice before they become too serious, as well as the steps you can take to eradicate lice from the home after they’re discovered. Recognizing the symptoms of lice If you or a member of your household has a lice problem, then there will be recognizable symptoms throughout on the scalp. Those symptoms include: -Itching -Lice and eggs on the neck, hair, and other parts of the body -Broken skin or sores on the scalp Once you’ve noticed the symptoms of a lice problem on yourself or a loved one, it’s time to act fast to limit an outbreak. Treating a lice outbreak requires an escalating series of measures. The CDC recommends following this guide step-by-step to ensure lice have been eradicated from the body and the home: Step 1) Pick up an over-the-counter medication for lice called pediculicide. A doctor might also recommend a prescription treatment method. Step 2) Remove any clothing that you do not wish to become stained, wet, or damaged Step 3) Apply the lice medication. In most cases, a single bottle will be enough to thoroughly cover the entire scalp. However, those with longer hair might need to apply two bottles. Step 4) Put on clean clothing after the treatment has been applied Step 5) Wait 8 to 12 hours before looking for any live lice that remain on the scalp. After applying medication, lice may be moving more slowly, in which case they might simply be taking longer than usual to die. Wait longer to see if any lice remain. Step 6) Comb the hair with a specialized nit comb. A nit comb is also known as a head lice comb, and in many cases, it will be included in the package of lice medication Step 7) Treat the hair multiple times over the next few weeks, making sure to thoroughly comb the scalp after each treatment. At this stage, treatment procedure for different lice medications will vary, so follow the directions on the over-the-counter or prescription medication that you purchased. Step 8) Check the hair after 2 to 3 weeks to ensure that all lice and eggs have been removed Cleansing the home Removing lice from the scalp is only half the battle. Next, you’re going to have to cleanse the home to prevent outbreaks from spreading to the rest of the family. Step 1) Thoroughly wash all clothing, bed linens, and other washable items that the infected person used in the days leading up to the discovery of the outbreak. Wash and dry these items at the highest possible temperature, and dry clean any items that cannot be washed. Step 2) Soak all combs and brushes in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least five minutes Step 3) Vacuum the entire house, including all furniture, rugs, and carpeting. Focus particularly on areas where the infected person sat or lay down. Step 4) Avoid the use of fumigant sprays, as they can harm your health far worse than a lice infestation would Keep in mind that lice rarely live very long when not attached to the body. As a result, the chances of a lice infection spreading through furniture and carpeting is fairly low. If you want to consult with a medical professional about your lice problem or the lice problem of a loved one, visit your family doctor or an Urgent Care Clinic Atlanta today. With professional medical help and a commitment to the health of your family, WellStreet operates a number of urgent care Atlanta locations throughout the city.
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